Device and Process for Manufacturing a Layered Weighted Yarn

ABSTRACT

A device configured to manufacture a layered weighted yarn includes a formation channel configured to receive a first material and a second material; and a sewing machine including at least one needle, the sewing machine configured to sew a seam on the first material. The formation channel being further configured to receive the first material and form the first material into an outer tube; receive the second material and insert the second material into the outer tube; locate the first material in a position to be sewn by the sewing machine to form the seam on the outer tube; and discharge the outer tube including the first material and the second material inserted into the outer tube as a layered weighted yarn.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure is directed generally to a device for manufacturing alayered weighted yarn. The disclosure is also directed to a process formanufacturing a layered weighted yarn with a device.

The disclosure is further directed generally to a device and process tomanufacture a layered weighted yarn for a weighted blanket. Morespecifically, the disclosure is directed generally to a device andprocess to manufacture a layered weighted yarn for a weighted blanketfor deep pressure therapy. In particular aspects, the disclosure isdirected generally to a device and process to manufacture a layeredweighted yarn for a weighted material that is configured to be used as aweighted blanket to provide a person with deep pressure therapy.

It is widely accepted in the medical community that deep pressuretherapy may bring relief to those suffering from various disorders, suchas insomnia, anxiety, sensory disorders, and the like.

2. Related Art

Some techniques of deep pressure therapy involve placing across thebody, a blanket that has weights in it to apply pressure, stimulating afeeling of safety that is also experienced as being hugged or swaddled.In order to be effective, the blanket needs to weigh 10-20% of theperson's body weight, leading to the blanket weighing 5 to 45 pounds.

Conventional deep pressure therapy blankets are typically weightedblankets that are made of a plurality of fabric layers with addedweighted materials disposed between the layers. The added weightedmaterials typically include, for example, plastic pellets or balls,glass beads, sand, gravel, linked chain objects, and the like. The addedweighted materials are usually placed in units inside the blanket. Forexample, the added weighted materials are usually placed in quadraticpatches that are sewn or stitched to hold the weights. In theseconventional approaches, the added materials are required to provideweight because the conventional fabric and multiple layers of fabric arenot heavy enough to effectively provide deep pressure therapy whenplaced on a person.

The need for the added weights, however, carries with it severaldisadvantages. For example, the added weights limit breathability of theblanket. The added weights and the multiple layers of fabric reducenatural airflow through the blanket. This makes it particularlydifficult to regulate a body temperature of an individual when theblanket is placed on them.

As another example, the added weights are prone to moving and/orshifting within the blanket. This substantially impairs equal, even,and/or continuous weight distribution, which is needed to effectuatedeep pressure therapy. Also, the added weights typically cause theblanket to be overly thick and less bendable, preventing the blanketfrom naturally taking the body shape of a person lying under it andthereby diminishing the surface contact area of the deep pressuretherapy.

Accordingly, what is needed is a device and process to manufacture alayered weighted yarn for a weighted material. Additionally, what isneeded is a device and process to manufacture a layered weighted yarnfor a weighted material that can be used as a blanket to effectivelyproduce deep pressure therapy to an individual, without the need foradditional weight materials. Moreover, what is needed is a device andprocess to manufacture a layered weighted yarn for a weighted materialthat can be used as a blanket to effectively produce deep pressuretherapy to an individual without limiting breathability. Additionally,what is needed is a device and process to manufacture a layered weightedyarn for a weighted material that can be used as a blanket toeffectively produce deep pressure therapy to an individual withoutdiminishing the surface contact area of the deep pressure therapy.

SUMMARY

As will be described in greater detail below, the disclosure describes adevice and process to manufacture a layered weighted yarn for a weightedmaterial for a weighted blanket that is configured to effectuate deeppressure therapy, without the need for additional weights, such asexternal weights, internal weights, and the like. For example, internallayers of fabric of the layer weighted yarn form a weighted materialwithout the need for additional internal weights as further describedherein.

In one example, a device and process to manufacture a layered weightedyarn for a weighted material is provided. The resulting weightedmaterial is configured to effectuate deep pressure therapy to a personwhen a piece of the weighted material is used as a blanket over theperson's body. A length of layered weighted yarn is interlooped to formthe piece of weighted material. The layered weighted yarn includes anouter tube extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end.The outer tube defines a conduit extending longitudinally therethroughfrom the first end to the second end. A plurality of inner layers ofmaterial are disposed within the conduit and extend longitudinally fromthe first end to the second end. The interlooped length of yarn createsa weighted blanket that is configured and sufficiently weighted toeffectuate, by itself, deep pressure therapy to a person when theblanket lies over the person's body. Various other systems and methodsare also disclosed.

One general aspect includes a device configured to manufacture a layeredweighted yarn including: a formation channel configured to receive afirst material and a second material. The device also includes a sewingmachine including at least one needle, the sewing machine configured tosew a seam on the first material. The device also includes an outer tubematerial delivery system configured to deliver the first material to theformation channel. The device also includes an inner layer materialdelivery system configured to deliver the second material to theformation channel. The formation channel being further configured toreceive the first material from the outer tube material delivery systemand form the first material into an outer tube. The formation channelbeing further configured to receive the second material from the innerlayer material delivery system and insert the second material into theouter tube. The formation channel being further configured to locate thefirst material in a position to be sewn by the sewing machine to formthe seam on the outer tube. The formation channel being furtherconfigured to discharge the outer tube including the first material andthe second material inserted into the outer tube as a layered weightedyarn.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Theformation channel being further configured to reverse an orientation ofthe first material. The formation channel includes a first surfacestructure and a second surface structure configured to form a gaptherebetween. The gap is configured to receive the first material. Theformation channel includes a sewing aperture being configured to locatethe first material in the position to be sewn by the sewing machine toform the seam on the outer tube. The formation channel includes atubular structure configured to receive the first material and thesecond material. The formation channel includes a bracket for attachmentto the sewing machine. The formation channel being attached to thesewing machine by the bracket. The outer tube material delivery systemincludes a spindle to support the first material. The outer tubematerial delivery system includes a guide structure to guide the firstmaterial to the formation channel. The inner layer material deliverysystem includes a spindle to support the second material. The device mayalso include a racing roller configured to engage the layered weightedyarn and advance the first material and the second material through theformation channel and the sewing machine. The racing roller furtherincluding a lower fabric-engaging roller and an upper fabric-engagingroller. The device configured to manufacture a layered weighted yarnwhere: a length of the layered weighted yarn is configured to beinterlooped to form a piece of weighted material. The device may alsoinclude the piece of weighted material, by itself, is configured andsufficiently weighted to effectuate deep pressure therapy to a person asa deep pressure therapy blanket when placed over a person's body.

One general aspect includes a method of constructing a layered weightedyarn, the method including: receiving a first material and a secondmaterial with a formation channel. The method of constructing alsoincludes sewing a seam on the first material with a sewing machineincluding at least one needle. The method of constructing also includesdelivering the first material to the formation channel with an outertube material delivery system. The method of constructing also includesdelivering the second material to the formation channel with an innerlayer material delivery system. The method of constructing also includesreceiving the first material from the outer tube material deliverysystem and forming the first material into an outer tube with theformation channel. The method of constructing also includes receivingthe second material from the inner layer material delivery system andinserting the second material into the outer tube with the formationchannel. The method of constructing also includes locating the firstmaterial in a position to be sewn by the sewing machine to form the seamon the outer tube with the formation channel. The method of constructingalso includes discharging the outer tube including the first materialand the second material inserted into the outer tube as a layeredweighted yarn with the formation channel.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Themethod of constructing a layered weighted yarn further includingreversing an orientation of the first material with the formationchannel. The method of constructing may also include where the formationchannel includes a first surface structure and a second surfacestructure configured to form a gap therebetween. The method ofconstructing may also include where the gap is configured to receive thefirst material. The method of constructing may also include where theformation channel includes a sewing aperture being configured to locatethe first material in the position to be sewn by the sewing machine toform the seam on the outer tube. The method of constructing a layeredweighted yarn where the formation channel includes a tubular structureconfigured to receive the first material and the second material. Themethod of constructing may also include where the formation channelincludes a bracket for attachment to the sewing machine. The method ofconstructing may also include where the formation channel being attachedto the sewing machine by the bracket. The method of constructing alayered weighted yarn where the outer tube material delivery systemincludes a spindle to support the first material. The method ofconstructing a layered weighted yarn where the outer tube materialdelivery system includes a guide structure to guide the first materialto the formation channel. The method of constructing a layered weightedyarn where the inner layer material delivery system includes a spindleto support the second material. The method of constructing may alsoinclude a racing roller configured to engage the layered weighted yarnand advance the first material and the second material through theformation channel and the sewing machine. The racing roller furtherincluding a lower fabric-engaging roller and an upper fabric-engagingroller. The method of constructing a weighted material with the layeredweighted yarn including: interlooping a length of the layered weightedyarn to construct a piece of weighted material. The method ofconstructing may also include where the piece of weighted material, byitself, is configured and sufficiently weighted to effectuate deeppressure therapy to a person as a deep pressure therapy blanket whenplaced over a person's body.

Features from any of the above-mentioned aspects may be used incombination with one another in accordance with the general principlesdescribed herein. These and other aspects, features, and advantages willbe more fully understood upon reading the following detailed descriptionin conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary aspects andare a part of the specification. Together with the followingdescription, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principlesof the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device to manufacture a layeredweighted yarn for a weighted material, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, accordingto an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, accordingto an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, accordingto an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 3C is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, accordingto an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a bottom side perspective view of a formation channel,according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a front side perspective view of the formation channel ofFIG. 4, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a front side perspective view of the formation channel ofFIG. 4, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a partial back side perspective view the formation channel ofFIG. 4, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a back side perspective view the formation channel of FIG. 4,according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a schematic of the movement of materials in the formationchannel of FIG. 4, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates the movement of materials in the formation channelof FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C illustrates the movement of materials in the formation channelof FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a perspective top view of an outer tube material deliverysystem, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective bottom view of an outer tube material deliverysystem of FIG. 8, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inner layer material deliverysystem, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a racing roller, according to an aspectof the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a weighted material comprising a layeredweighted yarn that is interlooped, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a layered weighted yarn that can beinterlooped to construct the weighted material of FIG. 12, according toan aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the layered weighted yarn of FIG. 2taken across line III-III, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the layered weighted yarn of FIG. 13,according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E show exemplary details of forminginner layers by folding an inner sheet, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C show exemplary details of constructing a layeredweighted yarn, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C show exemplary details of constructing a layeredweighted yarn, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a layered weighted yarn being knit toconstruct a piece of weighted material, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a layered weighted yarn beingcrocheted to construct a piece of weighted material, according to anaspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a piece of weighted material that isconstructed by knitting layered weighted yarn, according to an aspect ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of constructing a piece ofweighted material, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptionsindicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While theexemplary aspects described herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific aspects have been shown byway of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein.The exemplary aspects described herein, however, are not intended to belimited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the disclosure coversall modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within thescope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

The disclosure is generally directed to a device and process tomanufacture a layered weighted yarn for a weighted material. In oneaspect, the weighted material can be used as a blanket to provide aperson with deep pressure therapy, without the need for weights orcomponents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device to manufacture a layeredweighted yarn for a weighted material, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a device 900 configured to manufacturea material such as a layered weighted yarn 100 for a weighted materialas described herein. Exemplary details of the layered weighted yarn 100are illustrated in FIG. 13 and the associated description thereofdescribed herein. The device 900 may include a sewing machine 400, aracing roller 500, a formation channel 800, an outer tube materialdelivery system 600, an inner layer material delivery system 700, andthe like.

The outer tube material delivery system 600 may deliver a first material602 to the formation channel 800 for forming an outer tube 10 for thelayered weighted yarn 100.

The inner layer material delivery system 700 may deliver a secondmaterial 702 to the formation channel 800 for inserting a plurality ofinner layers 18 into the layered weighted yarn 100. In one aspect, theinner layer material delivery system 700 may deliver a plurality ofportions of the second material 702 to the formation channel 800 forinserting a plurality of the inner layers 18 into the outer tube 10 ofthe layered weighted yarn 100. In one aspect, the inner layer materialdelivery system 700 may deliver 1-8 portions of fabric, 1-5 portions offabric, 2-8 portions of fabric, or 2-5 portions of fabric.

In one aspect, the formation channel 800 may receive the first material602 for producing the outer tube 10 from the outer tube materialdelivery system 600. The formation channel 800 may guide and form thefirst material 602 for producing the outer tube 10 from the outer tubematerial delivery system 600 into a tubular shape. Thereafter, theformation channel 800 may position the first material 602 for the sewingmachine 400 to sew a seam 24 to connect sides of the first material 602to form the outer tube 10. Accordingly, the formation channel 800 formsthe outer tube 10 by sewing the seam 24 to connect sides of the firstmaterial 602 resulting in a tubular shape construction of the outer tube10.

The formation channel 800 may receive the second material 702 from theinner layer material delivery system 700 and may insert the secondmaterial 702 as the plurality of inner layers 18 into the outer tube 10to form the layered weighted yarn 100. In one aspect, the secondmaterial 702 may include 1-8 portions of fabric, 1-5 portions of fabric,2-8 portions of fabric, or 2-5 portions of fabric.

The sewing machine 400 may be configured to hold the formation channel800 while the formation channel 800 guides and forms the first material602 for producing the outer tube 10 from the outer tube materialdelivery system 600 into a tubular shape and the sewing machine 400 maysew a seam 24 to connect the sides of the first material 602 to form theouter tube 10. As noted above, the sewing machine 400 sews the seam 24to connect the sides of the first material 602 to form the outer tube10. Thereafter, the formation channel 800 reverses the orientation ofthe outer tube 10 while the formation channel 800 receives and pulls thesecond material 702 from the inner layer material delivery system 700for inserting the second material 702 as the plurality of inner layers18 into the outer tube 10 to form the layered weighted yarn 100.

The racing roller 500 may be configured to receive the layered weightedyarn 100 after the sewing machine 400 has sewn the seam 24 to connectthe sides of the first material 602 to form the outer tube 10, theformation channel 800 has reversed the orientation of the outer tube 10to place the seam 24 within the outer tube 10, and the formation channel800 has inserted the plurality of inner layers 18 into the outer tube 10to form the layered weighted yarn 100. The racing roller 500 may beconfigured to advance and/or move the first material 602 and the secondmaterial 702 through the sewing machine 400. In one aspect, the racingroller 500 may be configured to advance and/or move the first material602 and the second material 702 through the sewing machine 400 byadvancing the layered weighted yarn 100. In one aspect, the racingroller 500 may be configured to advance and/or move the first material602 and the second material 702 through the sewing machine 400 byadvancing the layered weighted yarn 100 with rollers that are driven bya motor as described below. In one aspect, the motor is the only motoroperating to move the first material 602 and the second material 702through the sewing machine 400.

Details of exemplary implementations and operational functionality ofthe sewing machine 400, the racing roller 500, the formation channel800, the outer tube material delivery system 600, the inner layermaterial delivery system 700, and the like will be described in greaterdetail below.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, accordingto an aspect of the disclosure; and

FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, accordingto an aspect of the disclosure.

In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates the first material 602 entering intothe formation channel 800 as described above. The formation channel 800may include an attachment bracket 802. The attachment bracket 802 may beconfigured for attachment to the sewing machine 400. In one aspect, theattachment bracket 802 may include apertures for receiving one or moremechanical fasteners 414 for attachment of the formation channel 800 tothe sewing machine 400.

FIG. 3A illustrates the second material 702 entering into the formationchannel 800 as described above. FIG. 3A further illustrates a guidestructure 402 configured to guide the second material 702 into theformation channel 800. In this regard, the guide structure 402 mayreceive the second material 702 from the inner layer material deliverysystem 700 and direct the second material 702 into the formation channel800. The guide structure 402 may be implemented using any type ofstructure to guide fabric material such as the second material 702. Inone aspect, the guide structure 402 may be a guide pin. In one aspectthe guide pin may be a metallic structure attached to the sewing machine400. In one aspect, the guide structure 402 may be a guide pin having alength of 6 cm. (centimeters)-16 cm., 8 cm.-14 cm., or 9 cm.-12 cm.

FIG. 3B is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, accordingto an aspect of the disclosure.

In particular, FIG. 3B illustrates the second material 702 entering intothe formation channel 800 as described above. FIG. 3B furtherillustrates the first material 602 entering the formation channel 800from the outer tube material delivery system 600. The formation channel800 may form a half-rounded shape of the first material 602 to form theouter tube 10 formation of the outer tube 10 (outside fabric layer) ofthe layered weighted yarn 100. The converging shape of the formationchannel 800 forms the outer tube 10 while the sewing aperture 816 (openarea) allows the stitching needle of the sewing machine 400 to connectboth fabric ends or sides into the outer tube 10, while the secondmaterial 702 is pulled into the formation channel 800 in parallel in aloose tube shape (no connection or stitching to the outside tube).

As further described below, the first material 602 may be pulled intoposition 602-3 by the formation channel 800. In particular, the firstmaterial 602 now forms an outer tube 10 and movement of the outer tube10 into the formation channel 800 reverses the orientation of the outertube 10. Accordingly, the seam 24 and its associated loose edges formedby the sewing machine 400 are now located within the outer tube 10.

Additionally, the second material 702 may be introduced at position702-1 and may be inserted into the outer tube 10 as the outer tube 10enters the formation channel 800. In particular, once the secondmaterial 702 is introduced at position 702-1, it may thereafter be drawninto the formation channel 800 and the outer tube 10.

FIG. 3C is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, accordingto an aspect of the disclosure.

In particular, as further described below, FIG. 3C illustrates the firstmaterial 602 within the formation channel 800. Additionally, FIG. 3Cshows a sewing aperture 816 as well as the at least one needle 406operating to form the seam 24 on the first material 602.

Returning to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 further illustrates the first material 602entering the formation channel 800 from the outer tube material deliverysystem 600. The outer tube material delivery system 600 may furtherinclude a guide structure 608. In this regard, the guide structure 608may receive the first material 602 from the outer tube material deliverysystem 600 and direct the first material 602 into the formation channel800. The guide structure 608 may be implemented using any type ofstructure to guide fabric material such as the first material 602.Moreover, the guide structure 608 may be configured to straighten thefirst material 602 before it enters the formation channel 800. In oneaspect, the guide structure 608 may be a guide pin. In one aspect, theguide structure 608 may be a pair of guide pins. In one aspect, theguide structure 608 may be a pair of metallic guide pins. In one aspect,the guide structure 608 may be attached to the outer tube materialdelivery system 600.

While the first material 602 and the second material 702 are locatedwithin the formation channel 800, the sewing machine 400 may sew theseam 24 to connect the sides of the first material 602 to form the outertube 10. Thereafter, the outer tube 10 with the second material 702forming the plurality of inner layers 18 may exit the formation channel800 as the layered weighted yarn 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a bottom side perspective view of a formation channel,according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a perspective front side view of the formation channel ofFIG. 4, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a front side perspective view of the formation channel ofFIG. 4, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a partial back side perspective view the formation channel ofFIG. 4, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a back side perspective view the formation channel of FIG. 4,according to an aspect of the disclosure.

In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates the formation channel 800. Theformation channel 800 may have a first end 810 configured to receive thefirst material 602. The formation channel 800 further includes a firstsurface structure 804 that receives the first material 602. Theformation channel 800 may further include a second surface structure806. The first surface structure 804 and the second surface structure806 may be arranged to form a gap 820 (as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B)therebetween so that the first material 602 may travel toward a secondend 830 of the formation channel 800 through the gap 820. In one aspect,the formation channel 800 may have a length 840 as illustrated in FIG. 4of 6 cm. to 20 cm., 8 cm. to 18 cm., 10 cm. to 16 cm., or 12 cm. to 14cm. In one aspect, the formation channel 800 may have a width 850 asillustrated in FIG. 5 of 2 cm. to 10 cm., 4 cm. to 8 cm., or 6 cm. to 7cm.

The formation channel 800 may further include a slot 812 as illustratedin FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B in communication with the gap 820 formed betweenthe first surface structure 804 and the second surface structure 806.The slot 812 may allow the first material 602 to travel out theformation channel 800.

With reference to FIG. 6A in FIG. 6B, the formation channel 800 mayfurther include a tubular structure 814. The slot 812 may extendsubstantially around the tubular structure 814. This construction allowsthe first material 602 to travel out the formation channel 800 throughthe slot 812. In this regard, the tubular structure 814 may be attachedto the second surface structure 806 adjacent the sewing aperture 816 inorder to form the slot 812 around the tubular structure 814. In oneaspect, the tubular structure 814 may be attached to the second surfacestructure 806 adjacent a sewing aperture 816 at a single location. Inone aspect, the tubular structure 814 may be attached to the secondsurface structure 806 adjacent a sewing aperture 816 at a singlelocation by welding. In one aspect, the tubular structure 814 may form asecond inside tube.

Additionally, the formation channel 800 may include the sewing aperture816 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The sewing aperture 816 may allow thesewing machine 400 to sew the seam 24 to connect the sides of the firstmaterial 602 to form the outer tube 10 while it travels through theformation channel 800 and, in particular, the slot 812. In particular,the slot 812 may guide the first material 602 to locate the sides of thefirst material 602 adjacent the sewing aperture 816 for sewing the seam24 by the sewing machine 400.

With reference to FIG. 6B, the tubular structure 814 may include anaperture 822 that is configured to receive the outer tube 10 after ithas exited the slot 812. The movement of the outer tube 10 into theaperture 822 of the tubular structure 814 reverses the orientation ofthe outer tube 10. Accordingly, the seam 24 formed by the sewing machine400 is now located within the outer tube 10. In this regard, reversingthe orientation of the outer tube 10 moves the seam 24 and itsassociated edges inside the outer tube 10 while receiving the secondmaterial 702 (inner layers 18). In one aspect, the tubular structure 814forms a separate inner formation channel inside the formation channel800. The tubular structure 814 reverses the outer tube 10 after it hasbeen sewn together. Thereafter, the tubular structure 814 moves the seam24 inside and receives the second material 702 (inner layers 18) formingthe layered weighted yarn 100. Additionally, the tubular structure 814may be configured such that the tubular structure 814 (inner channel)may separate the process of stitching the seam 24 from the process offinishing the layered weighted yarn 100 to prevent the layered weightedyarn 100 from being double stitched. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 6B, the tubular structure 814 may be structurally separated fromthe sewing aperture 816.

In one or more aspects, the first material 602 may be configured and/oradapted to have different sizes to form an outer tube 10 with adifferent size. In one aspect, the first material 602 may be configuredand/or adapted to be larger to form an outer tube 10 with a larger sizeto form a heavier layered weighted yarn 100. In one aspect, the firstmaterial 602 may be configured and/or adapted to be smaller to form anouter tube 10 with a smaller size to form a lighter layered weightedyarn 100.

In one or more aspects, the formation channel 800 and/or the tubularstructure 814 may be configured and/or adapted to have different sizesto form an outer tube 10 with a different size. In one aspect, theformation channel 800 and/or the tubular structure 814 may be configuredand/or adapted to be larger to form an outer tube 10 with a larger sizeto form a heavier layered weighted yarn 100. In one aspect, theformation channel 800 and/or the tubular structure 814 may be configuredand/or adapted to be smaller to form an outer tube 10 with a smallersize to form a lighter layered weighted yarn 100.

The formation channel 800 may be constructed of any number of types ofmaterials including metallic materials, synthetic materials, and thelike. In one aspect, the formation channel 800 may be a metallicstructure. In one aspect, the first surface structure 804 and the secondsurface structure 806 may be formed of a single sheet of the metallicmaterial shaped as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B. In one aspect,the ends of the single sheet of metallic material may be connectedadjacent the gap 820 as illustrated in FIG. 5A. In one aspect, the endsof the single sheet of metallic material may be connected by welding.

In one aspect, the sewing aperture 816 may be formed in the firstsurface structure 804 and/or the second surface structure 806. In oneaspect, the sewing aperture 816 may have a circular structural openingallowing the at least one needle 406 to form the seam 24.

In one aspect, the tubular structure 814 may be an oval shapedcross-sectional shape tube. Other shapes including circular arecontemplated as well. In one aspect, the tubular structure 814 may be ametallic structure. In one aspect, the tubular structure 814 may beconnected at a single location to the first surface structure 804 and/orthe second surface structure 806. In one aspect, the tubular structure814 may be connected at a single location to the first surface structure804 and/or the second surface structure 806 by welding. In one aspect,the tubular structure 814 may include an additional feature adjacent theaperture 822 configured to provide a smooth surface for the materialsentering the aperture 822. In one aspect, the additional feature is ametallic band.

In one aspect, the attachment bracket 802 may be a metallic structure.In one aspect the attachment bracket may be attached to a surface of thefirst surface structure 804 and/or the second surface structure 806. Inone aspect, the attachment bracket may be attached to a first surface ofthe first surface structure 804 and/or the second surface structure 806;and the tubular structure 814 may be connected at a single location tothe first surface structure 804 and/or the second surface structure 806opposite the first surface.

FIG. 7A is a schematic of the movement of materials in the formationchannel of FIG. 4, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

In particular, as discussed in greater detail below, the first material602 (Outside fabric layer) may be pulled through the first surfacestructure 804, the second surface structure 806, and the gap 820(outside division) of the formation channel 800. The first surfacestructure 804, the second surface structure 806, and the gap 820(outside division) of the formation channel 800 forms a half-roundedshape of the first material 602 to form the outer tube 10 formation ofthe outer tube 10 (outside fabric layer) of the layered weighted yarn100. The converging shape of the formation channel 800 forms the outertube 10 while the sewing aperture 816 (circular open area) allows the atleast one needle 406 of the sewing machine 400 to connect both fabricends or sides into the outer tube 10, while the second material702/plurality of inner layers 18 (inside fabric layers) are pulled intothe formation channel 800 in parallel in a loose tube shape (noconnection or stitching to the outside tube). The formation channel 800then reverses the outer tube 10 (fabric tube) so that the seam 24(stitched fabric connection) is inside the layered weighted yarn 100.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the first material 602 may beinitially located at position 602-1 in the formation channel 800 on thefirst end 810. In this regard, the first material 602 located atposition 602-1 in the formation channel 800 may be located on the firstsurface structure 804. The first material 602 located at position 602-1in the formation channel 800 on the first end 810 may initially begenerally flat with a slight curvature.

Next, the first material 602 may be pulled into position 602-2 in theformation channel 800 through the gap 820. In this regard, the firstmaterial 602 located at position 602-2 is guided by the first surfacestructure 804 and the second surface structure 806 to start to form atubular configuration. In particular, the formation channel 800 may havea converging shape that manipulates the first material 602 to form thetubular configuration.

Next, the first material 602 may be pulled into position 602-3 in theformation channel 800 while traveling into the slot 812. In this regard,the first material 602 located at position 602-3 may be further guidedby the first surface structure 804, the second surface structure 806,and the slot 812 to complete the manipulation of the first material 602into the tubular configuration. In particular, the formation channel 800at position 602-3 is further converged to urge the first material 602into the tubular configuration. Additionally, the first material 602 atposition 602-3 presents the sides of the first material 602 to thesewing aperture 816. At this time, the sewing machine 400 may sew theseam 24 to connect the sides of the first material 602 to form the outertube 10 while it travels through the slot 812. In particular, the sewingmachine 400 may sew the seam 24 to connect the sides through the sewingaperture 816.

Next, the first material 602 may be pulled into position 602-4 in theformation channel 800 while exiting the slot 812. In this regard, thefirst material 602 located at position 602-4 is guided by the slot 812and the tubular structure 814 out of the slot 812. Thereafter, the firstmaterial 602 may be pulled into position 602-4 in the formation channel800 and guided into the aperture 822. In particular, the first material602 now forms the outer tube 10 and movement of the outer tube 10 intothe aperture 822 of the tubular structure 814 reverses the orientationof the outer tube 10. Accordingly, the seam 24 and its associated looseedges formed by the sewing machine 400 are now located within the outertube 10.

While the first material 602 is pulled into position 602-4 in theformation channel 800 and enters the tubular structure 814, the secondmaterial 702 may be introduced at position 702-1 such that it isinserted into the outer tube 10 as the outer tube 10 enters the tubularstructure 814. In particular, once the second material 702 is introducedat position 702-1, it may thereafter be drawn into the tubular structure814. Accordingly, the second material 702 that forms the plurality ofinner layers 18 may be pulled into the outer tube 10 to form the layeredweighted yarn 100. Accordingly, as described above, the first material602 may be sewed first to form the seam 24 as well as the outer tube 10,then the first material 602 that now forms the outer tube 10 may bereversed.

Finally, the first material 602 may be pulled into position 602-5 andthe second material 702 may be pulled into position 702-2 andaccordingly the tubular structure 814 and/or the formation channel 800releases the combined structure of the first material 602, now formingthe outer tube 10, and the second material 702, now forming the innerlayers 18, as the layered weighted yarn 100.

FIG. 7B illustrates the movement of materials in the formation channelof FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C illustrates the movement of materials in the formation channelof FIG. 7A.

In particular, FIG. 7B illustrates the first material 602 pulled intoposition 602-3 as it exits the formation channel 800. As describedabove, the first material 602 now forms the outer tube 10 and movementof the outer tube 10 into the tubular structure 814 (hidden by thefabric) reverses the orientation of the outer tube 10. Accordingly, theseam 24 and its associated loose edges formed by the sewing machine 400are now located within the outer tube 10. While the first material 602enters the tubular structure 814 (hidden by the fabric), the secondmaterial 702 may be introduced at position 702-1 such that it isinserted into the outer tube 10 as the outer tube 10 enters the tubularstructure 814.

FIG. 7C illustrates the movement the first material 602 moving intoposition 602-4 by the formation channel 800. In particular, the firstmaterial 602 is shown extended from formation channel 800 for ease ofunderstanding. In this regard, the first material 602 now forms theouter tube 10 and movement of the outer tube 10 into the aperture 822 ofthe tubular structure 814 reverses the orientation of the outer tube 10as it moves from position 602-3 to position 602-4.

The sewing machine 400 may be configured as an industrial sewingmachine, or the like and may have any known construction. In one aspect,the sewing machine 400 may be implemented as a Yamato Model VFS2503-8high-speed flatbed interlock stitch machine with top feeder(manufactured by Yamato Sewing Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan) oran equivalent sewing machine having one or more commensuratecapabilities.

In one aspect, with reference to FIG. 2, the sewing machine 400 mayinclude a throat plate 404 provided on the upper surface of a sewingmachine bed. The sewing machine 400 may include at least one needle 406configured to be movable vertically reciprocally and supported on an arm408 disposed above the throat plate 404. A needle location of the atleast one needle 406 may be formed in the throat plate 404.

In operation, the sewing machine 400 may form the seam 24 by sewing whenrotation of the sewing machine 400 is started. As the sewing machine 400is rotated, the first material 602 is fed in the sewing direction alongthe upper surface of the throat plate 404 through the formation channel800 in response to the operation of the racing roller 500. Then, whenthe first material 602 reaches the needle location, the at least oneneedle 406 and a looper (not shown) cooperate to form a stitch utilizingthread that forms the seam 24.

The sewing machine 400 may further include supports for sewing rolls forthread stitching, a handwheel for manual operation, one or more pulleys,belts, a power controller, and a motor (rated for operation at 100watts-700 watts) for providing rotational movement of the sewing machine400 and/or the racing roller 500, and other features not described forbrevity, but known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In one aspect,the sewing machine 400 may not include the motor; and the motor may beimplemented by the racing roller 500.

FIG. 8 is a perspective top view of an outer tube material deliverysystem, according to an aspect of the disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective bottom view of an outer tube material deliverysystem of FIG. 8, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

In particular, FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary details of the outer tubematerial delivery system 600. The outer tube material delivery system600 may include a support surface 604 that may be configured to supportthe first material 602. In one aspect, the support surface 604 may beconfigured to support a roll of the first material 602. The supportsurface 604 may include a circular synthetic flat surface configured toallow the first material 602 to unwind and be delivered to the formationchannel 800. In one aspect, the support surface 604 may be a staticsupport plate. In one aspect, the support surface 604 may have adiameter of 20 cm. to 40 cm., 24 cm. to 36 cm., 28 cm. to 34 cm., or 29cm. to 31 cm.

The outer tube material delivery system 600 may include a spindle 606that may be attached to the support surface 604. The spindle 606 may bereceived in a tube portion of the roll of the first material 602. Theouter tube material delivery system 600 may include the guide structure608 and may include a support structure for supporting the guidestructure 608. The support structure may include a first connector 614extending from the outer tube material delivery system 600 as well as asecond connector 612 configured to connect the first connector 614 tothe guide structure 608. In one aspect, the guide structure 608 may havea length of 4 cm. to 10 cm., 5 cm. to 9 cm., or 6 cm. to 8 cm. In oneaspect, the first connector 614 and the second connector 612 may rigidlysupport the guide structure 608. In one aspect, the first connector 614may be a rod, a metal rod, or the like. In one aspect, the firstconnector 614 may have a length of 10 cm. to 30 cm., 12 cm. to 28 cm.,14 cm. to 26 cm., 18 cm. to 24 cm., or 19 cm. to 23 cm.

With reference to FIG. 9, the support surface 604 may be supported on asupport rod 616 with a connection portion attached to the supportsurface 604. The support rod 616 may be supported by an attachmentbracket 618. The attachment bracket 618 may be configured to attach to aflat surface with one or more clamping components. The connectionportion may additionally connect and support the first connector 614. Inother aspects, the outer tube material delivery system 600 may simply bea source of the first material 602.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inner layer material deliverysystem, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

In particular, FIG. 10 illustrates the inner layer material deliverysystem 700. The inner layer material delivery system 700 may include aspindle 704 to support the second material 702. In one aspect, thespindle 704 may support a plurality of rolls of the second material 702.In one aspect, the spindle 704 may be received in a tube portion of aroll of the second material 702. In one aspect, the spindle 704 may bereceived in tube portions of a multiple number of rolls of the secondmaterial 702. In one aspect, the inner layer material delivery system700 may support 1-6 rolls of the second material 702, 2-6 rolls of thesecond material 702, or 2-4 rolls of the second material 702. In oneaspect, the inner layer material delivery system 700 may simply be asource of the second material 702.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a racing roller, according to an aspectof the disclosure.

The racing roller 500 may be configured as a puller configured tooperate with a sewing machine or an industrial sewing machine and mayhave any known construction. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates theracing roller 500. The racing roller 500 may be mounted in alignmentwith the sewing machine 400 so that the layered weighted yarn 100 thatis being sewn by the sewing machine 400 may be engaged between a lowerfabric-engaging roller 502 and an upper fabric-engaging roller 504. Thelower fabric-engaging roller 502 and the upper fabric-engaging roller504 may be biased toward one another to grip and apply tension on thelayered weighted yarn 100. The lower fabric-engaging roller 502 and theupper fabric-engaging roller 504 may have a fabric-engaging surface forengaging the layered weighted yarn 100 to prevent slipping, as therollers are rotated to withdraw the layered weighted yarn 100 at thedesired linear velocity from the sewing machine 400.

The lower fabric-engaging roller 502 and the upper fabric-engagingroller 504 may each be securely fastened to a shaft and may be supportedin pivotable brackets, each of which may be cantilever mounted to pivot.The lower fabric-engaging roller 502 and the upper fabric-engagingroller 504 may be implemented as rubber rollers.

The racing roller 500 may be configured to be adjusted to apply thedesired tension on the layered weighted yarn 100 through compression ofthe lower fabric-engaging roller 502 and the upper fabric-engagingroller 504. A handle 506 may be configured to control a position of thelower fabric-engaging roller 502 and the upper fabric-engaging roller504 into and out of engagement. In one aspect, when the handle 506 isrotated in a first direction the lower fabric-engaging roller 502 andthe upper fabric-engaging roller 504 may separate from each other. Inone aspect, when the handle 506 is rotated in a second direction thelower fabric-engaging roller 502 and the upper fabric-engaging roller504 may engage each other.

The racing roller 500 may include a driving belt 508 that may be mountedand driven by the motor (not shown) and may be connected to a drivenpulley. In operation, the driving belt 508 may rotate a pulley which inturn will rotate the lower fabric-engaging roller 502 and/or the upperfabric-engaging roller 504, which may be spaced apart to apply theappropriate tension to the layered weighted yarn 100 being withdrawnfrom the sewing machine 400. The racing roller 500 may include athreaded distance controller 510, tension adjustment devices 512, andthe like.

The layered weighted yarn 100 manufactured by the device 900 describedby the disclosure may be used for any type of desired product. In oneaspect, the layered weighted yarn 100 may be utilized in a weightedmaterial 200 as described in further detail below.

As used herein, the terms “providing deep pressure therapy,” “bringingabout deep pressure therapy,” “effectuating deep pressure therapy”and/or terms similar thereto, refer to effectively causing deep pressuretherapy (also known as deep pressure stimulation, deep touch pressure,etc.) in a person as herein described. More particularly, the terms“providing deep pressure therapy,” “bringing about deep pressuretherapy,” “effectuating deep pressure therapy” and/or terms similarthereto, refer to physically contacting an individual to effectivelycause the individual's nervous system activity to switch from beingdominated by their sympathetic nervous system to being dominated bytheir parasympathetic nervous system.

An individual's autonomic nervous system (ANS) receives information fromthe individual's body and environment, and in response thereto, sendssignals out to regulate the individual's body and organs. The ANS mayinclude the sympathetic system, the parasympathetic system, and/or othersystems, which work together to help the individual physiologicallyrespond in accordance with the information the ANS receives.

The sympathetic nervous system may often be referred to as the “alert”or “fight or flight” response that is elicited during stressfulsituations, emergency situations, and/or like situations. Theparasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is responsible forregulating involuntary functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure,and/or the like and stimulating the digestive tract. It brings a senseof calm, peace, and/or the like to the mind and body. When theparasympathetic nervous system takes over, an individual's heart ratemay slow, muscles may relax, circulation may improve, and/or the like.When deep pressure is correctly applied, it may relax the nervoussystem, causing the body to switch from running its sympathetic nervoussystem to its parasympathetic nervous system.

Deep touch pressure may also alter the person's hormone levels bydecreasing their level of cortisol (which causes anxiety and/or othernegative physiological effects) while increasing their levels ofserotonin and dopamine (which help with mood regulation, relaxation,and/or other positive physiological effects). In other words, thedisclosed deep touch pressure provided by the disclosed implementationsmay reduce anxiety and/or other negative physiological effects; and mayprovide positive mood regulation, relaxation, and/or other positivephysiological effects.

The further disclosed systems and methods include integrating thelayered weighted yarn 100 into a weighted material 200 that provides aperson with tactile sensory input, which provides proprioceptive inputto the individual's body. The weighted material 200 is configured suchthat when it is administered as a blanket to cover an individual's body,it brings about deep pressure therapy (DPT), thus causing theindividual's parasympathetic system to increase, their sympatheticsystem to decrease, and/or other beneficial responses.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a weighted material comprising a layeredweighted yarn that is interlooped, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

In particular, FIG. 1 is a top view of a piece of the weighted material200 that includes the layered weighted yarn 100 that may be manufacturedutilizing the device 900 described herein and that is interlooped (e.g.,knit, crocheted, etc.). In one aspect, the layered weighted yarn 100that is interlooped may have a knitted construction. In one aspect, thelayered weighted yarn 100 that is interlooped may have a crochetedconstruction. The construction of the layered weighted yarn 100,together with the interlooping thereof, provides a weighted material 200that is sufficiently heavy to provide deep pressure therapy (DPT) to aperson without the need for additional weights. The weighted material200 is configured so that the interlooped configuration of the layeredweighted yarn 100 (e.g., one layer of the interlooped configuration ofthe layered weighted yarn 100), by itself and without any added weightsor components, brings about deep pressure therapy (DPT) in anindividual, when the weighted material 200 is employed as a blanket overthe individual.

As will be described in further detail below, the disclosed weightedmaterial 200 can be employed as a deep pressure therapy (DPT) blanketthat provides many advantageous that are not provided by conventionaldeep pressure therapy (DPT) blankets. For example, the disclosedweighted material 200 includes the layered weighted yarn 100 that may bemanufactured utilizing the device 900 described herein and that isinterlooped in a pattern that creates small openings at the crossing ofthe loops. This allows for even airflow through the blanket, thusproviding desirable breathability, and helping to regulate the person'sbody temperature.

The interlooping of the layered weighted yarn 100 may create heavy knotsat the cross-sections of the loops. This pattern of heavy knots, inturn, creates a pattern of pressure regions on the individual when theweighted material 200 configured as a blanket and is placed over them.This provides a highly effective deep pressure therapy blanket.

Also, the disclosed weighted material 200 offers even weightdistribution. The layered weighted yarn 100 may be evenly interlooped(e.g., knit, crochet) in equally sized, enmeshed loops, whichdistributes the weight substantially equally and/or evenly across thestructure of the weighted material 200. The layered weighted yarn 100 issufficiently heavy and is fixated through the wide-looped pattern.

Thus, unlike conventional deep pressure therapy (DPT) blankets, theweight does not shift throughout the structure of the weighted material200 when the weighted material 200 moves. This is highly advantageous,as continuously maintaining an even weight distribution across theindividual is imperative to the efficacy of deep pressure therapy (DPT).

Also, the disclosed weighted material 200 provides improvedbody-contouring abilities. The stretchability of the interloopedconfiguration of the layered weighted yarn 100 may take a natural bodycontouring shape and can adapt to each individual body shape, thuscreating a direct and increased surface area for the weight to applygentle and even pressure across the body. Several other benefits andadvantageous may be recognized as well.

FIG. 12 further shows an aspect of a weighted material 200 that isconstructed by interlooping the layered weighted yarn 100 through aknitting technique. Additionally or alternatively, other suitabletechniques of interlooping the layered weighted yarn 100 (e.g.,crocheting, looping, knitting, hand-knitting etc.) may be implemented toform the weighted material 200 while remaining within the scope of thisdisclosure. For example, FIG. 19B show a piece of the weighted material200 that is constructed by interlooping the layered weighted yarn 100through a crocheting technique.

The piece of the weighted material 200 shown in FIG. 12 can be utilizedas a blanket, for example, for covering a large percentage (e.g., amajority) of a person's body when the person is lying down. In someaspects, a blanket comprising only a single layer of the weightedmaterial 200 provides sufficient weight to effectuate deep pressuretherapy on the person. For example, the weighted material 200 may have alength, width, and height; and the layered weighted yarn 100 may have alongitudinal length and a diameter perpendicular thereto. The height ofthe weighted material 200 may be equal to the diameter of the layeredweighted yarn 100. In other words, the weighted material 200 may consistof only a single layer of the interlooped configuration of the layeredweighted yarn 100 that is sufficiently weighted to effectuate deeppressure therapy (DPT) when placed over the person's body.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a layered weighted yarn that can beinterlooped to construct the weighted material of FIG. 1, according toan aspect of the disclosure; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of thelayered weighted yarn of FIG. 13 taken across line III-Ill, according toan aspect of the disclosure; and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of thelayered weighted yarn of FIG. 13, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

In particular, FIGS. 13-15 are side, cross-sectional, and perspectiveviews of a length of the layered weighted yarn 100 that may bemanufactured utilizing the device 900 described herein, according to anaspect of the disclosure. The term yarn, as used herein, refers to acontinuous strand of material that can be manipulated (e.g.,interlooped) to form a fabric. The layered weighted yarn 100 may beinterlooped to provide a piece of weighted material, for example, thepiece of the weighted material 200 shown in FIG. 12. The layeredweighted yarn 100 comprises the outer tube 10 and the plurality of innerlayers 18 (18 a, 18 b, 18 c) that may be manufactured utilizing thedevice 900 described herein. The outer tube 10 and the inner layers 18may be made from textile material, further details of which are providedbelow with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. The outer tube 10 extendslongitudinally from a first end 12 to a second end 14. While FIG. 13shows an aspect in which the first end 12 and second end 14 areseparated from one another, in other aspects, the length of the layeredweighted yarn 100 may comprise a loop, in which the first end 12 and thesecond end 14 are connected to each other.

The outer tube 10 defines a conduit 16 that extends longitudinallytherethrough, from the first end 12 to the second end 14. A plurality ofinner layers 18 of material are disposed within the conduit 16 andextend longitudinally from the first end 12 to the second end 14.

The inner layers 18 may be formed by folding at least one inner sheet ofthe inner layer 18 about at least one fold axis extending substantiallylongitudinally from the first end 12 to the second end 14. The innerlayers 18 may be configured to provide equal weight distribution along alongitudinal length 20 of the layered weighted yarn 100. The innersheets of the inner layers 18 may be folded longitudinally in anysuitable configuration. One or more of the inner sheets of the innerlayers 18 may be folded about its respective fold axis a plurality ofrotations to provide a coil shape. In some aspects, the inner sheet ofthe inner layers 18 may be folded about a plurality of fold axes, eachof plurality of fold axes may extend longitudinally. The inner layers 18may include any suitable number of folded inner sheets of the innerlayers 18. For example, one to twenty folded inner sheets of the innerlayers 18, one to sixteen folded inner sheets of the inner layers 18,one to twelve folded inner sheets of the inner layers 18, one to eightfolded inner sheets of the inner layers 18, one to four folded innersheets of the inner layers 18, two to twenty folded inner sheets of theinner layers 18, two to sixteen folded inner sheets of the inner layers18, two to twelve folded inner sheets of the inner layers 18, two toeight folded inner sheets of the inner layers 18, or two to four foldedinner sheets of the inner layers 18.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the inner sheet of the inner layer 18 isfolded onto itself into one or more coiled or otherwise foldedconfiguration(s). As further shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the plurality ofinner sheets of the inner layers 18 can each be folded in various foldarrangements. For example, FIG. 14 shows an inner sheet of the innerlayer 18 a that is folded about one respective fold axis in a pluralityof rotations to provide a coil shape. FIG. 14 also shows an inner sheetof the inner layer 18 b that is folded about two respective fold axes ina plurality of rotations to provide two coil shapes. The foldarrangements shown and described herein are exemplary, and the innerlayers 18 may include any suitable fold arrangement while remainingwithin the scope of this disclosure.

The fold axis may extend substantially longitudinally along thelongitudinal length 20 from the first end 12 to the second end 14, sothat the inner sheet of the inner layer 18 may be folded onto itselflengthwise. The fold axis, however, does not need to be entirelystraight or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the layered weightedyarn 100. For example, the folded inner sheet of the inner layer 18 maybe twisted, squished, and/or the like along the length of the layeredweighted yarn 100.

The plurality of inner layers 18 may extend uninterrupted along thelongitudinal length 20 of the layered weighted yarn 100. For example,the at least one folded inner sheet of the inner layers 18 may beuninterrupted along the longitudinal length 20 (e.g., extendinguninterrupted from the first end 12 to the second end 14 of the layeredweighted yarn 100). This may provide a layered weighted yarn 100 havinga substantially homogeneous weight distribution along its length, whichin turn may provide a weighted material 200 that has a substantiallyhomogeneous weight distribution across its surface. The plurality ofinner layers 18 may be disposed within the conduit 16 and fill theconduit 16 or hollow portion of the outer tube 10 by any suitableproportion. For example, the folded inner sheets of the inner layers 18may take up 50-99% of the volume of the conduit 16. For example, thefolded inner sheets of the inner layers 18 may take up 75-99% of thevolume of the conduit 16. For example, the folded inner sheets of theinner layers 18 may take up 85-95% of the volume of the conduit 16. Forexample, the folded inner sheets of the inner layers 18 may take up toabout 50% of the volume of the conduit 16. For example, the folded innersheets of the inner layers 18 may take up to about 70% of the volume ofthe conduit 16. For example, the folded inner sheets of the inner layers18 may take up to about 90% of the volume of the conduit 16. The innerlayers 18 may be configured to take up enough volume within the conduitto provide sufficient weight, while allowing for sufficient air flow toflow through the layered weighted yarn 100.

The outer tube 10 and the inner layers 18 may be made of any suitabletextile materials, for example, spun fibers, woven fibers, and/or thelike. The outer tube 10 and/or the inner layers 18 may be made fromcotton, for example, organic cotton. In one aspect, the organic cottonmay be entirely 100% organic cotton. The outer tube 10 and/or the innerlayers 18 may include a material that demonstrates high stretchingproperties, such as elastane, to facilitate interlooping of the layeredweighted yarn 100.

In some aspects, the outer tube 10 may be made of a cotton-elastane mix,and the inner layers 18 may be made almost entirely (e.g., entirely) ofcotton. In one aspect, the organic cotton may be entirely 100% organiccotton. This construction provides a layered weighted yarn 100 thatdemonstrates sufficient stretchability (from the elastane material inthe outer tube 10) to facilitate interlooping of the layered weightedyarn 100 and body contouring of the weighted material 200, while alsomaintaining sufficient rigidity to provide steady weight distribution ofthe weighted material 200 configured as a blanket. In one aspect, thesecharacteristics may be a result of the cotton material in the outer tube10 and/or the cotton material of the inner layers 18.

The weighted material 200 may have any suitable dimensions to beemployed as a blanket over a person laying down to bring about deeppressure therapy (DPT). For example, the weighted material 200 may havea length between 40 and 90 inches, between 50 and 80 inches, or between65 and 75 inches. The weighted material 200 may have a width between 25and 80 inches, between 35 and 70 inches, or between 45 and 55 inches.

In some aspects, a length of the layered weighted yarn 100 is between100 and 300 meters in length, between 200 and 300 meters in length,between 225 and 300 meters in length, or between 225 and 275 meters inlength.

In some aspects, the weighted material 200 is about 48 inches wide, 72inches long, and 2 inches high (thick), and is made of a length of thelayered weighted yarn 100 having an interlooped configuration that isabout 250 meters long and that has a diameter of about 2 inches.

The weighted material 200 may be configured to weigh between 5 lb. and45 lb., between 7 lb. and 40 lb., or between 10 and 35 lb. The weightedmaterial 200 may weigh between 10% and 20% of a person's body weight,and the weighted material 200 may be configured to bring about deeppressure therapy (DPT) for a person weighing between, for example, 35lb. and 400 lb. In some aspects, the piece of the weighted material 200has dimensions of about 48×72×2 inches, weighs between 20 and 35 lb.,and is constructed from a length of interlooped layer yarn that is about250 meters long and has a diameter of about 2 inches.

The layered weighted yarn 100 may have a diameter between 1 and 5inches. For example, the layered weighted yarn 100 may have a diameterbetween 1.5 and 3 inches. In some aspects, the layered weighted yarn 100has a diameter of about 2 inches. In some aspects, the plurality ofinner layers 18 comprise folded inner sheets that have a length that issubstantially the same as the length of the hollow portion of the outertube 10, and the inner sheets of the inner layers 18 have a width thatis greater than the diameter of the hollow portion of the outer tube 10.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E show exemplary details of forminginner layers by folding an inner sheet, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

In particular, FIGS. 16A-16E show a schematic representation of formingthe inner layers 18 by folding an inner sheet of the inner layer 18,according to an aspect of the disclosure. FIG. 16A shows an inner sheetof the inner layer 18 that is in a substantially flat configuration. Theinner sheet of the inner layer 18 shown in FIG. 16A may be formed of alarger configuration of the inner sheet of the inner layer 18 that isfolded along one or more fold lines to provide the substantially flatconfiguration shown in FIG. 16A.

FIGS. 16B and 16C show the inner sheet of the inner layer 18 of FIG. 16Aas it is being rolled along the longitudinally extending fold axis 22.FIG. 16D shows the inner sheet of the inner layer 18 of FIGS. 16A-16Cthat is rolled along the longitudinally extending fold axis 22. FIG. 16Eshows the inner sheet of the inner layer 18 a of FIGS. 16A-16D, togetherwith additional inner sheets of the inner layers 18 b, 18 c that areeach folded along their respective longitudinally extending fold axes.The inner sheets of the inner layers 18 can be arranged within thehollow portion of the outer tube 10 to form the layered weighted yarn100.

FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C show exemplary details of constructing a layeredweighted yarn, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

In particular, FIGS. 17A-17C show a schematic representation ofconstructing a layered weighted yarn 100, according to an aspect of thedisclosure. FIG. 17A shows the outer tube 10 that is arranged as a sheet(e.g., sheet of fabric) before it is rolled into the hollow portion ofthe outer tube 10. Also shown in FIG. 17A is the at least one foldedinner layer 18 as it is being arranged on top of a sheet of the outertube 10. FIG. 17B shows the at least one folded inner layer 18 disposedon the outer tube 10, and the outer tube 10 being rolled into the hollowportion of the outer tube 10. FIG. 17C shows the hollow portion of theouter tube 10 rolled around the plurality of inner layers 18 to form thelayered weighted yarn 100. The outer tube 10 may be attached at a seam24 by any suitable means (e.g., stitching, adhesion, friction,hook-and-loop, etc.) to secure the hollow portion of the outer tube 10.In one aspect, the outer tube 10 may be attached at a seam 24 by thatthe device 900 described herein. In one aspect, the outer tube 10 may beattached at the seam 24 by stitching. In one aspect, the outer tube 10may be attached at the seam 24 by adhesion. In one aspect, the outertube 10 may be attached at the seam 24 by friction. In one aspect, theouter tube 10 may be attached at the seam 24 by hook-and-loop. Thehollow portion of the outer tube 10 may be attached to itself the firstend 12 and the second end 14 to close the conduit 16.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C show exemplary details of constructing a layeredweighted yarn, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

In particular, FIGS. 18A-18C show a schematic representation ofconstructing a layered weighted yarn 100, according to an aspect of thedisclosure. FIG. 18A shows the outer tube 10 that is hollow, withconduit 16 extending longitudinally therethrough. In some aspects, theouter tube 10 is formed by rolling an outer layer sheet and securing itat a seam into a tube shape (e.g., by attaching the rolled sheet bysuitable means (e.g., stitching, adhesion, friction, hook-and-loop,etc.) similarly to the seam 24 shown in FIG. 17C. In some aspects, theouter tube 10 is formed as a seamless tubular structure. For example,the outer tube 10 may be formed by interlocking fibers to form thetubular configuration. FIG. 18B shows the plurality of inner layers 18being inserted into the conduit 16 of the hollow portion of the outertube 10. FIG. 18C shows the plurality of inner layers 18 that arearranged inside the hollow portion of the outer tube 10 to provide thelayered weighted yarn 100. The hollow portion of the outer tube 10 maybe attached to itself at the first end 12 and the second end 14 to closethe conduit 16.

In some aspects, the plurality of inner layers 18 may be attachedtogether by any suitable means to maintain, for example, the foldedconfiguration. For example, the at least one folded inner sheets of theinner layers 18 may be stitched and/or adhered to itself. Additionallyor alternatively, the plurality of inner layers 18 may be attached to atleast a portion of the inner tubular wall of the hollow portion of theouter tube 10 by any suitable means. For example, the at least onefolded inner sheet of the inner layer 18 may be attached to the innertubular wall of the hollow portion of the outer tube 10 by way ofstitching, adhesion (e.g., glue), friction, hook-and-loop, etc.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a layered weighted yarn being knit toconstruct a piece of weighted material, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a piece of weighted material that isconstructed by knitting layered weighted yarn, according to an aspect ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a layered weighted yarn 100 that isbeing knit to construct a piece of the weighted material 200, accordingto an aspect of the disclosure. FIG. 20 is a top view of a piece of theweighted material 200 that is constructed by knitting the layeredweighted yarn 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19A), according to an aspectof the disclosure. The layered weighted yarn 100 may be knit using apair of knitting needles 300. The knitting may be performed manually bya user and/or using an automated machine. The knitting may compriseintermeshing loops of the layered weighted yarn 100 in a number ofconsecutive rows. As each row progresses, a newly generated loop may bepulled through one or more loops from the prior row, creating a densepattern.

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a layered weighted yarn beingcrocheted to construct a piece of weighted material, according to anaspect of the disclosure.

In particular, FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a strand of the layeredweighted yarn 100 being crocheted to construct a piece of the weightedmaterial 200, according to an aspect of the disclosure. The layeredweighted yarn 100 may be crocheted using a pair of crocheting needles450, as shown. The crocheting may be performed manually by a user and/orusing an automated machine. The crocheting may comprise intermeshingloops of the layered weighted yarn 100 in a number of consecutive rows.

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the weighted material 200 compriseslayered weighted yarn 100 that is interlooped in a pattern that createssmall openings at the crossing of the loops. This allows for evenairflow through the blanket, thus providing desirable breathability andhelping to regulate the individual's body temperature. The interloopingof the layered weighted yarn 100 (e.g., knitting as shown in FIG. 19A,crocheting as shown in FIG. 19B), together with the construction of thelayered weighted yarn 100, creates a piece of the weighted material 200that is dense enough to provide deep pressure therapy (DPT) for aperson. For example, the piece of the weighted material 200 can havedimensions, of about 48×72×2 inches and can weigh between 20 and 35 lb.The interlooped configuration of the weighted material 200 is bothsufficiently wide-looped and dense to effectuate deep pressure therapy(DPT), while also providing superior breathability, even and continuousweight distribution, and natural body contouring capabilities.

In one aspect, the interlooped configuration of the weighted material200 comprises substantially a textile material. In one aspect, theinterlooped configuration of the weighted material 200 comprisessubstantially a fabric material. In one aspect, the interloopedconfiguration of the weighted material 200 comprises substantially afiber material. In one aspect, the interlooped configuration of theweighted material 200 comprises substantially a cotton material.

In one aspect, the interlooped configuration of the weighted material200 comprises 90%-100% by weight of a textile material. In one aspect,the interlooped configuration of the weighted material 200 comprises90%-100% by weight of a fabric material. In one aspect, the interloopedconfiguration of the weighted material 200 comprises 90%-100% by weightof a fiber material. In one aspect, the interlooped configuration of theweighted material 200 comprises 90%-100% by weight of a cotton material.

In one aspect, the interlooped configuration of the weighted material200 entirely includes a textile material. In one aspect, the interloopedconfiguration of the weighted material 200 entirely includes a fabricmaterial. In one aspect, the interlooped configuration of the weightedmaterial 200 entirely includes a fiber material. In one aspect, theinterlooped configuration of the weighted material 200 entirely includesa cotton material.

The interlooping of the layered weighted yarn 100 creates heavy knots atthe cross-sections of the loops. This pattern of heavy knots, in turn,creates a pattern of pressure regions on the individual when theweighted material 200 configured as a blanket and is placed over them.This provides a highly effective deep pressure therapy (DPT) blanket.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show formation of a single layer of interloopedconfiguration of the layered weighted yarn 100. For example, thethickness of the weighted material 200 is equal to the diameter of thelayered weighted yarn 100. In some aspects, the layered weighted yarn100 is sufficiently heavy, and the layered weighted yarn 100 isinterlooped such that only a single layer of the interloopedconfiguration of the layered weighted yarn 100 creates a piece of theweighted material 200 that, when employed as a blanket over a person,brings about deep pressure therapy (DPT) to the person.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of constructing a piece ofweighted material, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

In particular, FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a method 1000 of constructing apiece of weighted material 200, according to an aspect of thedisclosure. In steps 1002-1008, a layered weighted yarn 100 isconstructed. At step 1002, an outer tube 10 is provided. The outer tube10 includes a conduit 16 extending therethrough in a longitudinaldirection. At steps 1004 and 1006, an inner sheet is provided and foldedaround a fold axis, which extends in a longitudinal direction. At step1008, the folded inner sheet is arranged within the conduit 16, suchthat the folded inner sheet extends longitudinally within the conduit16.

In one aspect, the steps 1002-1008 of constructing the layered weightedyarn 100 are performed by the device 900 utilizing the sewing machine400, the racing roller 500, the formation channel 800, the outer tubematerial delivery system 600, the inner layer material delivery system700, and the like as described herein. In one aspect, the steps1002-1008 of constructing the layered weighted yarn 100 are performed bythe device 900 receiving a first material 602 and a second material 702with a formation channel 800; sewing a seam 24 on the first material 602with a sewing machine 400 comprising at least one needle 406; deliveringthe first material 602 to the formation channel 800 with an outer tubematerial delivery system 600; delivering the second material 702 to theformation channel 800 with an inner layer material delivery system 700;receiving the first material 602 from the outer tube material deliverysystem 600 and forming the first material 602 into an outer tube 10 withthe formation channel 800; reversing an orientation of the firstmaterial 602 with the formation channel 800; receiving the secondmaterial 702 from the inner layer material delivery system 700 andinserting the second material 702 into the outer tube 10 with theformation channel 800; locating the first material 602 in a position tobe sewn by the sewing machine 400 to form the seam 24 on the outer tube10 with the formation channel 800; and discharging the outer tube 10comprising the first material 602 and the second material 702 insertedinto the outer tube 10 as a layered weighted yarn 100 with the formationchannel 800.

At step 1010, the constructed layered weighted yarn is interlooped toconstruct the weighted material 200 or piece of deep pressure therapy(DPT) material.

The weighted material 200 of FIG. 12 is employed as a blanket over aperson's body (e.g., a majority of the person's body). The weightedmaterial 200 and configured as a blanket and may be configured toprovide sufficient air circulation through the weighted material 200configured as a blanket to regulate the body temperature of the person.For example, the weighted material 200 configured as a blanket may beconfigured to provide 18-26% air flow therethrough (e.g., from the airabove the weighted material 200 configured as a blanket to the personlaying beneath the weighted material 200 configured as a blanket).

The weighted material 200 may have beneficial air flow qualities thatmay be provided by the interlooping of the layered weighted yarn 100(allowing air to circulate around the layered weighted yarn 100) as wellas the construction of the layered weighted yarn 100 (allowing air tocirculate through the layered weighted yarn 100). For example, asdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the weightedmaterial 200 may be created by an interlooped pattern that creates smallopenings at the crossing of the loops, and between the loops of layeredweighted yarn 100. Thus, air flow may travel from the top and to thebottom of the weighted material 200 through the small openings (the airflowing around the layered weighted yarn 100). Also, the layeredweighted yarn 100 may be configured to allow air to circulate throughthe yarn itself. For example, the configuration of the hollow portion ofthe outer tube 10 and the plurality of the inner layers 18 provide emptyspaces within the conduit 16. Air is thus allowed to circulate along theempty spaces and through the conduit 16 (the air flowing through thelayered weighted yarn 100). In addition to providing superior aircirculation, the construction of the weighted material 200 also provideswell-balanced moisture and heat transfer capabilities.

The layered weighted yarn 100 may be configured to have a substantiallyhomogenous weight and density along its longitudinal length 20. Thisprovides many advantages over strands of material that comprise bunchedup filler material. For example, the bunched up filler material createsinconsistent weight distribution, which greatly impairs even weightdistribution of the weighted blanket. The layered weighted yarn 100,however, is configured to maintain weight distribution through theinterlooping of the layered weighted yarn 100 and the movement and useof the weighted material 200 configured as a blanket.

While the outer tube 10 and inner layers 18 are shown and described asbeing separate components, in some aspects, the outer tube 10 and atleast one of the inner layers 18 are integrally formed. In some aspects,the inner layers 18 are attached (e.g., at a seam along the longitudinallength 20 of the layered weighted yarn 100), so the outer periphery ofthe attached inner layers 18 forms the outer construction of the yarn(e.g., without a separate outer tube 10).

While this disclosure describes using the piece of the weighted material200 to provide deep pressure therapy (DPT), it should be well understoodthat the weighted material 200 may be used for other purposes, inaddition to or as an alternate to deep pressure therapy (DPT). Also,while the disclosure describes employing the piece of the weightedmaterial 200 as a blanket to lay over an individual, it should be wellunderstood that the weighted material 200 may be employed in othersuitable ways. Further, while this disclosure describes laying theweighted material 200 over a person, it should be well understood thatthe weighted material 200 may be laid over other suitable kinds ofanimals to provide them with deep pressure therapy (DPT).

The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled inthe art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary aspectsdisclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to beexhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure. The aspects disclosed herein shouldbe considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive.Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents indetermining the scope of the disclosure.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (andtheir derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to beconstrued as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via otherelements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,”as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning“at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and“having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification andclaims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word“comprising.”

It will be understood that when an element such as a layer or region isreferred to as being “on” or extending “onto” another element, it can bedirectly on or extend directly onto the other element or interveningelements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referredto as being “directly on” or extending “directly onto” another element,there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understoodthat when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the otherelement or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directlycoupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “top”or “bottom” may be used herein to describe a relationship of oneelement, layer or region to another element, layer or region asillustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in additionto the orientation depicted in the figures.

While the disclosure has been described in terms of exemplary aspects,those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure can bepracticed with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are notmeant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, aspects,applications or modifications of the disclosure.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typicalaspects of the disclosure and, although specific terms are employed,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth inthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device configured to manufacture a layeredweighted yarn comprising: a formation channel configured to receive afirst material and a second material; a sewing machine comprising atleast one needle, the sewing machine configured to sew a seam on thefirst material; an outer tube material delivery system configured todeliver the first material to the formation channel; an inner layermaterial delivery system configured to deliver the second material tothe formation channel; the formation channel being further configured toreceive the first material from the outer tube material delivery systemand form the first material into an outer tube; the formation channelbeing further configured to receive the second material from the innerlayer material delivery system and insert the second material into theouter tube; the formation channel being further configured to locate thefirst material in a position to be sewn by the sewing machine to formthe seam on the outer tube; and the formation channel being furtherconfigured to discharge the outer tube comprising the first material andthe second material inserted into the outer tube as a layered weightedyarn.
 2. The device configured to manufacture a layered weighted yarn ofclaim 1 wherein the formation channel being further configured toreverse an orientation of the first material.
 3. The device configuredto manufacture a layered weighted yarn of claim 1 wherein the formationchannel comprises a first surface structure and a second surfacestructure configured to form a gap therebetween; wherein the gap isconfigured to receive the first material; and wherein the formationchannel comprises a sewing aperture being configured to locate the firstmaterial in the position to be sewn by the sewing machine to form theseam on the outer tube.
 4. The device configured to manufacture alayered weighted yarn of claim 1 wherein the formation channel comprisesa tubular structure configured to receive the first material and thesecond material.
 5. The device configured to manufacture a layeredweighted yarn of claim 1 wherein the formation channel comprises abracket for attachment to the sewing machine; and wherein the formationchannel being attached to the sewing machine by the bracket.
 6. Thedevice configured to manufacture a layered weighted yarn of claim 1wherein the outer tube material delivery system comprises a spindle tosupport the first material.
 7. The device configured to manufacture alayered weighted yarn of claim 1 wherein the outer tube materialdelivery system comprises a guide structure to guide the first materialto the formation channel.
 8. The device configured to manufacture alayered weighted yarn of claim 1 wherein the inner layer materialdelivery system comprises a spindle to support the second material. 9.The device configured to manufacture a layered weighted yarn of claim 1further comprising: a racing roller configured to engage the layeredweighted yarn and advance the first material and the second materialthrough the formation channel and the sewing machine; and the racingroller further comprising a lower fabric-engaging roller and an upperfabric-engaging roller.
 10. The device configured to manufacture alayered weighted yarn of claim 1 wherein: a length of the layeredweighted yarn is configured to be interlooped to form a piece ofweighted material; and the piece of weighted material, by itself, isconfigured and sufficiently weighted to effectuate deep pressure therapyto a person as a deep pressure therapy blanket when placed over aperson's body.
 11. A method of constructing a layered weighted yarn, themethod comprising: receiving a first material and a second material witha formation channel; sewing a seam on the first material with a sewingmachine comprising at least one needle; delivering the first material tothe formation channel with an outer tube material delivery system;delivering the second material to the formation channel with an innerlayer material delivery system; receiving the first material from theouter tube material delivery system and forming the first material intoan outer tube with the formation channel; receiving the second materialfrom the inner layer material delivery system and inserting the secondmaterial into the outer tube with the formation channel; locating thefirst material in a position to be sewn by the sewing machine to formthe seam on the outer tube with the formation channel; and dischargingthe outer tube comprising the first material and the second materialinserted into the outer tube as a layered weighted yarn with theformation channel.
 12. The method of constructing a layered weightedyarn of claim 11 further comprising reversing an orientation of thefirst material with the formation channel.
 13. The method ofconstructing a layered weighted yarn of claim 11 wherein the formationchannel comprises a first surface structure and a second surfacestructure configured to form a gap therebetween; wherein the gap isconfigured to receive the first material; and wherein the formationchannel comprises a sewing aperture being configured to locate the firstmaterial in the position to be sewn by the sewing machine to form theseam on the outer tube.
 14. The method of constructing a layeredweighted yarn of claim 11 wherein the formation channel comprises atubular structure configured to receive the first material and thesecond material.
 15. The method of constructing a layered weighted yarnof claim 11 wherein the formation channel comprises a bracket forattachment to the sewing machine; and wherein the formation channelbeing attached to the sewing machine by the bracket.
 16. The method ofconstructing a layered weighted yarn of claim 11 wherein the outer tubematerial delivery system comprises a spindle to support the firstmaterial.
 17. The method of constructing a layered weighted yarn ofclaim 11 wherein the outer tube material delivery system comprises aguide structure to guide the first material to the formation channel.18. The method of constructing a layered weighted yarn of claim 11wherein the inner layer material delivery system comprises a spindle tosupport the second material.
 19. The method of constructing a layeredweighted yarn of claim 11 further comprising a racing roller configuredto engage the layered weighted yarn and advance the first material andthe second material through the formation channel and the sewingmachine; and the racing roller further comprising a lowerfabric-engaging roller and an upper fabric-engaging roller.
 20. A methodof constructing a weighted material with the layered weighted yarn ofclaim 11 comprising: interlooping a length of the layered weighted yarnto construct a piece of weighted material, wherein the piece of weightedmaterial, by itself, is configured and sufficiently weighted toeffectuate deep pressure therapy to a person as a deep pressure therapyblanket when placed over a person's body.